Sintra is a dreamy city, wrapped in clouds. While Lisbon basks in the sun at 30°C, Sintra stays at a cool 20°C with occasional light rain, adding to its magical atmosphere.

Today we explored Quinta da Regaleira, a neo-Gothic palace with a chapel, a beautiful garden, grottoes, and mysterious tunnels symbolizing the journey between light and darkness, death and resurrection. The estate is rich in references to the Freemasons and the Templars, with the Well of Initiation being the most fascinating. This deep well with its spiral staircase of nine flights is believed to represent Dante’s nine circles of hell, purgatory, and paradise.

I was captivated by the mystical symbols and the misty beauty of the area. I plan to return and discover more of Sintra’s palaces. The entire town and its surroundings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why!